Follow the author of this article

Follow the topics within this article

An observer might be forgiven for thinking that the Conservative Party now consists entirely of two factions struggling for advantage in the furious arguments over Brexit.

Two weeks ago it was Dominic Grieve and MPs more hostile to leaving the EU who threatened a major revolt. This week Jacob Rees-Mogg and the keenest Brexiteers are threatening all-out rebellion, while suggestions of resignations by ministers who campaigned to leave the EU are commonplace.

In fact, like any mature governing party, the Conservatives largely consist of a vast sensible middle. This middle comprises ministers who run departments without mishap or crisis, MPs who toil away so the next Tory government can be elected,...